Avian Gamers Network

I'm nearing the time to buy components for a new computer and while I have a tentative decision made regarding video card, I'd like to hear the opinions of others.

I'm considering a ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT based card and expect to pay $400-$430 for the card. The alternative is a card based on the GeForce 8800 GTX which would cost at least $550. ATI/AMD admit the performance of the 2900 is just below that of the GeForce GTX (this claim is supported in comparisons published online) but considering that the performance is still pretty amazing, I think the performance-per-dollar ratio is higher with the ATI card. Eventually, I would likely pick up a second card and run them in CrossFire mode but this is not planned initially.

I'd like to hear from you guys which card you favor right now and why.

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Liro
"The english language is not a wedding gown, it doesn't get better the more lace you add. It is instead a thong. Less is more." From /.
I need to remind myself of this regularly.

that's why I'd go with the ATI, but I almost have never bought the top-of-line card when it was fresh so if you gotta have that GTX just so you can have it then I guess its worth the money

But yeah, if I were getting a new comp (god I wish I were getting one) then I would go for the ATI.

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Avian Football League 2007 Forum Thread

The ATI will last you a couple years at most games maximum settings. If you plan to go Crossfire at that time, the 2nd card would be a bit cheaper still with excellent performance. That's my take.

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don't anything about the ATI card, but is it DX10 compliant? If so, then go for it

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Can't one also dual run the 8800 GTXs? Or is that a matter of having enough space as I thought I read that those cards are bigger than normal?

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"I built me a bomb and dropped it on every MFer who got in my way!"

Yep. The 2900 is DX10 compliant. ATI finally brought their pony to the show...



Yep, the GeForce 8800 supports SLI just as the ATI 2900 support Crossfire, same concept, different trade name. Comparitively, an ATI Crossfire setup would cost $800-$860 and a GeForce SLI with the 8800s would be $1100. Regardless, I'm passing on dual cards for now. That'll likely change a ways down the road but for now, one card will do. I'll wait until I can get a second card for less. Incidentally, there's another argument in support of ATI: enabling Crossfire is easier as you don't have to have the exact same card as you do with SLI.

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Liro
"The english language is not a wedding gown, it doesn't get better the more lace you add. It is instead a thong. Less is more." From /.
I need to remind myself of this regularly.

You're getting rid of your TI-99 rock???

Whoa... I'm impressed.

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Heh, you're not so far off. It's been five years since I upgraded my machine! I'm currently running a P4 @ 2GHz! Criminal, absolutely criminal...

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Liro
"The english language is not a wedding gown, it doesn't get better the more lace you add. It is instead a thong. Less is more." From /.
I need to remind myself of this regularly.